Three Terminal Thin Film Photovoltaic Module and Their Methods of Manufacture

Thin film photovoltaic devices are provided that include a first submodule and a second submodule. An insulation layer can be positioned over first submodule and second submodule such that the insulation layer extends from a first bus bar to a second bus bar. A conductive link can be positioned on the insulation layer and electrically connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar. An encapsulation substrate can be positioned over the first submodule and the second submodule. A first prong can extend through a first aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate to contact the conductive link to establish an electrical connection thereto, and a second prong can extend through a second aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate to contact the joint bus bar to establish an electrical connection thereto. Methods are also provided for forming a pair of electrical leads on a thin film photovoltaic device